Psychological Consequences of Chronic Hair Diseases

The review explored the psychological consequences of chronic hair diseases, highlighting that these effects depended on individual coping skills and personality traits. Hair loss impacted quality of life similarly to severe psoriasis, primarily causing a loss of self-confidence, especially in those with insecure attachment patterns. Psychiatric conditions like body dysmorphic syndrome and trichotillomania were noted. Androgenetic alopecia caused significant distress in women, while chemotherapy-induced alopecia altered self-concept and body image, often not returning to normal post-regrowth. Alopecia areata was linked to anxiety and depression, with stress and alexithymia being common. Family therapy was suggested to address underlying family conflicts contributing to anxiety.